MS Dhoni to bowl against RCB
The race for the 2024 Indian Premier League playoffs will have a thrilling conclusion this week, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings face off in what is effectively a knockout match for the final playoff spot. With Sunrisers Hyderabad having already secured their place in the playoffs on Thursday, only one spot remains.
The clash between RCB and CSK is already highly anticipated due to the presence of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Adding to the excitement, both teams are fiercely competing for the crucial playoff position. Moreover, CSK has hinted at a surprise for the Royal Challengers, as a recent video on their official social media accounts has generated a fresh wave of excitement among their fans.
In the video, the team’s star wicketkeeper-batter, MS Dhoni, is seen bowling in the nets. Dhoni has participated in all of the team’s matches this season despite dealing with a knee injury. There is speculation that this might be Dhoni’s final season in the IPL, which would make the match against RCB his farewell game.
Although the Super Kings are currently in fourth place and two points ahead of RCB, they remain cautious of Faf du Plessis’ squad. The Royal Challengers not only have the home advantage but also an impressive surge in form over the past few weeks. After a disappointing first half of the season, losing six out of their first seven matches, RCB has made a remarkable comeback with a five-match winning streak.
CSK has a higher net run rate than RCB, meaning RCB will need to win by 18 runs or chase a target of 200 within 18.1 overs. Additionally, there is a looming threat of rain; if the match is washed out, the Super Kings will advance to the playoffs with 15 points.
MS Dhoni’s Swansong?
The former CSK captain played the team’s last group stage match in Chennai earlier this week. A win in Bengaluru would keep hopes alive for a return to Chennai, where both the second playoff and the final are scheduled to take place.
This season, Dhoni has been impressive with his batting cameos towards the end of the innings. He has scored 136 runs in 13 matches, including 8 not-outs, at an outstanding strike rate of 226.67. Dhoni captained the Super Kings when they won the title last season, defeating the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
